How is Christmas going to be different for you this year?
As the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched into the Christmas season, many have adapted, or downsized, their plans to celebrate. We asked area residents how their Christmas celebrations will be different this year.
COVID cases in Mississippi surpass 200,000 before Christmas
The total number of coronavirus cases in Mississippi surpassed 200,000 Wednesday, two days before the Christmas holiday when health officials said they expect a spike due to social gatherings.
Christmas at the Mansion: Area designer is tapped to decorate the historic Governor’s Mansion
Scott Reed was in ninth grade when he began making a little extra money as a delivery guy for a West Point flower shop.
Keep pet safety in mind during the holidays
COVID-19 cases continue to surge around the country, so this year’s holiday season may be quieter than usual. Gone are the guests, but there are still plenty of seasonal things that can be troublesome for your pets. Human holiday traditions such as food, decorations and plants that may seem harmless can be dangerous and even life-threatening to dogs and cats.
Ask Rufus: Santa Claus
Before the 1800s Christmas was a mostly religious celebration. Then in 1823, Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was published.
OCSO toy drive still growing in 4th year
After a Tupelo family’s house burned down last year, the mother heard from the local Salvation Army that her children could still get toys for Christmas, even if she would have to drive to Starkville to pick them up.
Ask Rufus: A Christmas Barbecue
With Christmas fast approaching, it is interesting to consider the traditional foods of a Christmas meal. They may not all be what you think.
Cities discourage large groups in social events, holiday shopping season
All three cities in the Golden Triangle are discouraging residents from gathering in large groups due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — including by canceling annual holiday events or adapting them to go on without crowds.
Countdown to Christmas
In the weeks leading up to Dec. 25, anticipation builds as moments grand and simple fill the calendar.
A Night of Holiday Hope: Community Outreach Office plans Christmas party for 100 needy children
Glenda Buckhalter, community outreach coordinator for the city of Columbus, recently learned six homeless children she works with are not expecting anything for Christmas.
Donors rush to give to nonprofits by year’s end
For most people, the arrival of Christmas means the end of the season of giving.
Photos: Keeping Christmas
Tonight there may not be a creature stirring, but in the days leading up to Christmas, the young and young-at-heart have been active. Excitement has filled the air at parades, tree lightings and special events that lit up smiles and often touched the heart. Enjoy these few moments of the season captured by camera. And don’t forget to put out a little something for the reindeer.
For residents at Recovery House, Last House on the Block, this will be a Christmas like no other
Kimberly Clemons and David Hodges have one thing in common. Well, two actually.
First, both are addicts in recovery.
Second, for both Clemons, a 30-year-of single mom of three girls, and Hodges, a 40-year old who has spent half his life battling addiction, this Christmas will be like no other.
When duty comes-a-caroling
What do Peking Chinese Restaurant, Waffle House and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle have in common?
Pets for Christmas? A surprise might not be the best idea
Think before you adopt.
That’s the advice Columbus Lowndes Humane Society director Karen Johnwick would give to people considering picking up a new pet this holiday season.
Post office sees busiest week of the year
Lucy Wilson stood in a line that easily stretched to double digits at the post office on Bluecutt Road Monday, chatting happily with the people around her at the beginning of the post office’s busiest week of the year.
‘Almost like home’: Volunteers to prep Christmas dinners for first responders
This year, volunteers in Starkville will take some time out of Christmases to give back to local first responders.
Calendar quirk, Amazon, put pressure on retailers to deliver
A calendar quirk this year and Amazon’s seven-days-a-week delivery capability are building pressure on retailers to deliver.
Not a creature was stirring … Don’t look now, but here comes Christmas
November isn’t even quite out the door, and here I am touting Christmas goodies.